Keir starmer issues major new update on winter fuel payments

THE PRIME MINISTER MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT AFTER WEEKS OF PRESSURE OVER CUTS FOR PENSIONERS 12:19, 21 May 2025Updated 12:20, 21 May 2025 More pensioners will get Winter Fuel Payments worth up

to £300, Keir Starmer has announced following a backlash over cuts to the support last year. The Prime Minister said he wanted to "ensure as we go forward more pensioners are eligible

for Winter Fuel Payments". He added the Government "will look at the thresholds". It comes after weeks of pressure following the local elections and criticism cuts to the

winter fuel allowance lost Labour votes, and growing frustration among Labour MPs. READ MORE: 'ALMOST EVERY DRIVER' BREAKS THIS IMPORTANT LAW EVERY DAY GET ALL THE LATEST MOTORING

NEWS SENT TO YOUR INBOX BY SIGNING UP TO OUR NEW NEWSLETTER HERE Starmer had previously stood firm over Winter Fuel Payments but now appears to have backed down over the policy. A full

reversal looks unlikely, instead the income threshold for qualifying is expected to be raised. The winter allowance, which helps to cover heating bills during the colder months, was

previously given to all pensioners but changes last year mean only those on Pension Credit and certain other benefits now get it. But the result was to leave out millions on low incomes

struggling to heat their homes, speaking widespread criticism from charities and campaigners. The PM conceded changes would be on the way, but said they would be announced as part of a

fiscal event. Starmer told the Commons: "I recognise people are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living crisis, including pensioners. "And as the economy improves we want

to make sure people feel those improvements as their lives go forward. Article continues below "And that is why we want to ensure that as we go forward more pensioners are eligible for

Winter Fuel Payments. "As you would expect, we will only make decisions we can afford. That is why we will look at that as part of a fiscal event." Responding to a question from

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, he added: "As the economy improves we want to take measures that improve people's lives so we will look at the thresholds but that will have to be part

of a fiscal event."